Mbakwe's return would be big for Minnesota

12:46 AM,
Apr. 10, 2012

Minnesota's Trevor Mbakwe could be the Big Ten's best big man in 2012-13.

Written by

KEN THOMPSON
kthompson@jconline.com

Doing the right thing for student-athletes hasn't always been the case with the NCAA, but the past few weeks has provided hope that things might be different under president Mark Emmert.

The sixth year of eligibility for Purdue forward Drey Mingo comes to mind. So does the sixth year for Minnesota basketball star Trevor Mbakwe.

Mbakwe missed most of what would have been his senior season with a torn ACL. So instead of having to enter the NBA Draft with questions about his health, Mbakwe -- like Purdue forward Robbie Hummel did last season -- will get an opportunity to improve his stock with his ...